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It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!

Hello everyone, This is my first ever venture onto a forum! I am a music teacher with classical training who has recently bought a FP80. I'm finding the manual a little complicated. Does anyone know how to get the keyboard to play a major chord by just playing the root note please? Have got as far as splitting the keyboard and going into Function Mode, but setting Easy under Chord recognition doesn't work for me.

Secondly, when I use the sustain pedal there is always a noise like someone is brushing/ sweeping across the strings with their fingers on the inside of a real piano. The noise is always present but on a low volume settings this noise is barely discernible. Has anyone else noticed this or do you think that my pedal cable/ pedal is faulty? Please?! Thanks,Pink Rose

when I use the sustain pedal there is always a noise like someone is brushing/ sweeping across the strings with their fingers on the inside of a real piano. The noise is always present but on a low volume settings this noise is barely discernible. Has anyone else noticed this or do you think that my pedal cable/ pedal is faulty?

I have not played an FP80, but what you describe sounds like what happens when you play a real acoustic piano, particularly if you hit the pedal with some force. If Roland is trying to duplicate that accurately, you may find the sound diminished if you press down on the pedal more slowly. I would also check the manual to see if Roland provided some way to alter the volume of (or disable) the effect.

Secondly, when I use the sustain pedal there is always a noise like someone is brushing/ sweeping across the strings with their fingers on the inside of a real piano. The noise is always present but on a low volume settings this noise is barely discernible. Has anyone else noticed this or do you think that my pedal cable/ pedal is faulty? Please?! Thanks,Pink Rose

Damper noise is arguably the weakest & lamest feature implementation of the SN sound. The fact that it doesn't work with MIDI playback can almost be seen as a positive thing.

Really impressed with the speed of all the replies and how helpful everyone is. Not sure if I should send each person a special note to say thanks ... But am guessing I don't as this is public? Thank you for your v helpful reply and those of all others.

One thing I have discovered is the huge difference between the instruction manual saying "press" or "hold". I had thought a button once pressed would give rise to the whole range of possible options - but it's not! You only get half the options this way!

Now you have resolved the minor issues you were experiencing, P Rose, would you care to give your opinions of the FP-80? I'd be curious as to what other DPs you tried before selecting the Roland, and what you think of its sound and response in comparison.

_________________________"you don't need to have been a rabbit in order to become a veterinarian"

Until P Rose gets a chance to reply, perhaps I'll contribute here. I'm a friend who pointed her to this forum as I knew quick and helpful answers would be forthcoming!

A slab design with built in speakers was decided on, mostly for aesthetic reasons as it has less visual impact in a modest living room. Thus the FP50/80 came in to the frame as opportunities for trying things hands on were limited, and the Rolands were more available in the nearby shops. I suggested trying a competing Kawai (e.g. ES7)as I've tried their actions and liked them but they weren't available without going into London.

I've had a play on the instrument in question but I have to admit that I don't have a lot of experience with recent models -the last DP I bought was a 1991 Clavinova! So comparisons are with my acoustic Yam U3.

Action - I like it, it's perhaps slightly lighter than the U3 but it's precise and tons better than my old Clav!

Sound - Pianos are good with strong bass, perhaps a little muted in the 2 octaves or so above middle C compared to my U3 -perhaps why I preferred the Bright Piano? Only had a flick through other sounds - the Acoustic and Synth Bass sounds stood out, I've never been particularly taken with the choir/string/wood sounds on digitals (not like the strings on my an analogue 1981 ARP Quartet - but that's for another forum!)

Working out how to use the thing - I understand touch screens are out due to price constraints, but the permutations of button functions takes some getting used to! Took me a while to realise that press does not mean hold!